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September 15, 2017

Fly Free, Sweet Zoe 💔


"The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." - Irving Berlin
Last night, our hearts were broken as we said goodbye to our beautiful and beloved Zoe. It was an unexpectedly sudden end for a cat who always lived her life with such a spirit of love, celebration and happiness.

Although Zoe had a number of health issues, she had been doing well on her meds and feeling good over the past three months. She had gained back some lost weight, and was her energetic and happy-go-lucky self. But this week was different. Zoe was keeping more to herself, hiding, eating less and not sleeping with us. So we made an unscheduled vet visit early last night, only to learn that what had been diagnosed months ago as "possible IBD or possible lymphoma" was indeed the latter. And that it had progressed to a stage from which there was no return. Zoe was clearly uncomfortable and on the edge of distress, and we knew in our hearts that it was time to make that dreaded but very loving decision to end her suffering. So, with her laying in my lap, and Tracey and I petting and kissing her, and whispering “we love you” in her ears, Zoe flew peacefully to the Rainbow Bridge.

Tracey and I know we made the right decision, but we are all utterly devastated. We can't imagine our lives without our sweet and lovable Zoe, perhaps no one more so than Gracie, her sister and littermate of more than 17 years.

Gracie and Zoe, catching some sunbeams
Zoe, what a special girl you were. Surely there will be a day when memories of you bring smiles instead of tears. Today is not that day, and it will be a long time until it arrives, but we know it will come.

There were so many special things that made you such a unique kitty.  Like your playful and childlike nature. And the way you could never go slowly from one place to another (you were so fast and energetic!). Your adorable "bunny pose," complete with your sweet little meow/trill/purr. And how you loved to soak up the sun in the windowsill while you watched Bird and Squirrel TV.


Mom Tracey and I will miss you coming to greet us at the door when we get home. And I will miss having my little shadow/buddy following me everywhere I go, and laying on my chest while we spend "family time" on the sofa each night. We will miss hearing your amazingly diverse vocalizations (you seemed to come up with new ones all the time).


We always marveled at your cool, calm and collected courage that made you unafraid of big dogs you spied through the window, landscapers with lawnmowers and leafblowers, vacuum cleaners, house guests, and pretty much everything else. And how you would run TOP SPEED out of the litter room after you did a number 2 (MOL!). And we loved how you loved to lick your catnip kicker pillow. And how you would tussle with your sister, just for the heck of it (you may have been smaller than her, but you were a fierce tussler who usually won the day (like in this video)).


Fly free, our darling Zoe. We love you always and forever, and long for the day when we see you again.

Dad Kevin, Mom Tracey and Gracie

89 comments:

The Island Cats said...

Oh no! We are so very sorry to hear about Zoe. We send you all comforting purrs and hugs.

~Wally, Ernie, Zoey and Mom Sue

Random Felines said...

Oh no.....we are so very very sorry and heartbroken. Fly free Zoe

Susie said...

So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs.
Kimo & Sabi & Mommakitty

As the World Purrs said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

G said...

Sigh. Thank you for being such wonderful parents.

Cherry City Kitties said...

Oh no dear honorary family, we are so deeply sad to lose sisfurs Zoe. We know how lonely your heart must feel Gracie, and we're purring for you. Your loving honorary Michigan Family, brothers Harry, Dexter and Tipp and sisfur Willow.

Lily said...

We are so sorry. Sending you all purrs and hugs.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

She was loved and the life she shared with you was a reflection of thebond between you. You gave her the gift of a gentle passing..may that comfort you as your hearts heal...

Just Mags said...

So sorry to hear sweet Zoe had to go. Lots of purrs, love and hugs coming to you both. Nice post and pictures.

Squeedunk Cats and Z-Girl said...

This is such sad and unexpected news. We are weeping for you. What a beautiful girl, so full of spirit. We hope that all of the love you shared as a family will sustain you in this terribly sad time. May Zoe fly free, and may you be comforted in knowing that your love is eternal. Peace.

Cara n Crew said...

I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to little Zoe. this is a beautiful post. thsnk you for sharing about her and opening your hearts to this little one. Godspeed, Zoe. sending prayers of comfort and purrs x7 :)

Cara, pip, smidgen, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto, TL

catsynth said...

We are so heartbroken to hear about Zoe's passing. We know she was a wonderful cat and very loved all the way to the last. Thank you for giving her such a wonderful home and sharing her with us. Sending you and Tracey and Gracie all our love and condolences.

Love,
Amanda and Sam Sam.

Bernadette said...

Purrs to you and Tracy and to Zoe and Gracie. What an incredible kitty, but at least you know she never wasted a moment or missed an opportunity.

Cathy Keisha said...

I'm here to pay my respects to Zoe. *bows head* Sending comforting purrz to those she left behind.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I'm so sad for you two, and Gracie. Zoe was such a special lady. Purrs to you all

The Flynnigans said...

Goodness, this mad me sad to read. Poor dear. My deepest to you and Tracey.

A Tonk's Tail said...

oh no! Oh Tracey, Kevin, I'm so deeply sorry. I wish words could somehow ease the pain - losing our beloved furkids is utterly devastating. You both - and Gracie - are in my thoughts.

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat said...

I am so sorry to hear this. I want so badly to hug you both and listen to you tell all your beautiful stories about Zoe. You have always been the most amazing, wonderful, supportive friends and it means the world to us. Within the last year, your comments on our blog kept me going at my worst. It shouldn't take a devastating loss for us to have said it ... I truly apologize for not telling you how we felt before. I wish I could return the favor in some small way - give you comfort. But please know that you aren't alone ... and that we love you both and your beautiful house panthers.

M Dawson said...

Oh man, this is the worst kind of post to have to write, because it is done with a broken heart.

Zoe, you choose the right home, and the right people. Any cat would envy the love you had and the fun too.

Fly free brave and beautiful girl.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Zoe was, and always will be beautiful and greatly loved. I write through the tears as all your friends will be doing on reading such sad news.
My love to you both, and of course to dear Gracie who will miss her sister so much.

The Menagerie Mom said...

Kevin, Tracey, and Gracie, our hearts and prayers are with you. I know your hearts are breaking and that it seems like the grief might never subside, but please never forget that you gave your beautiful Zoe the best, most perfect life. She was more than loved, and she was so happy, and that is beyond obvious in pictures of her blessed life with you. Your Zoe will always be with you, watching over you, until you meet again. Hugs to you.

Zoolatry said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Beautiful Zoe, forever loved.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Kevin and Tracey, I'm so sorry to hear this. Anastasia has lymphoma also and we're losing the battle fast. All of these losses are so heartbreaking, but we know our love is neverending and we continue to wrap our love around them. Sending lots of caring, hugs and understanding your way. ~ Julie and the kitties Chopin, Bridgie, Anastasia and Angel Tinker. xoxoxoxoxo

Eastside Cats said...

Rest In Peace, Angel Zoe. The love that you shared on Earth will never fade.

Fuzzy Tales said...

Kevin and Tracey,

I'm absolutely broken-hearted for you, it was such a shock to read this. I'm so, so sorry, sorry beyond words. Please know that my thoughts and "prayers" are with you both, adn with Gracie too, and that Nicki and Derry are sending soft purrs. Hugs to you.

www.shelter-cats.com said...

Our hearts ache for you all. Years ago, seeing beautiful Zoe and Gracie, week after long week, waiting patiently for a home at PAWS, we couldn't have known that they would hit the adoption jackpot. No cats could have been more loved.
Dear Kevin, Tracey, and Gracie, We are so sorry for your loss.
With love and sympathy from Maggie, Rick, Mickey Mouser and Rufus the Red

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Very sad news. Words seem inadequate. Sending love and hugs.
Love from Jan, Peter, Milo and Alfie.

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Zoe. XO

Savannah's Paw Tracks said...

Oh nooooo! Kevin and Tracy we are so very very sad to learn Zoe has dashed to The Bridge. Thank Ceiling cat she had your love in her last year's and moments.

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

Godspeed, Zoe. We're so sorry for your loss, and we're sending lots of healing purrs your way. We pray Zoe's wonderful memories will make your hearts sing again one day soon.

wildcatwoods said...

What a wonderful tribute to Zoe. She was a very special girl. Thank you for sharing her life with us. Sending comforting kitty hugs in your loss.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I too am so very sadden by the loss of your beloved Zoey, you are so right Kevin, one day your sadness with be replaced by all the good moments and memories. But not today.With great love comes great grief, keeping you in my prayers.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry to hear about your lovely Zoe and we know she was well loved.
Take care.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

The Whiskeratti said...

We're so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful girl she was, and so special. Pawhugs from all of us here.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh Kevin and Tracey, such a shock and we are so extremely sorry to hear about your sweet Zoe, we just hate it. We all send your purrs, hugs and all of our love.

Forty Paws said...

We are so sad that Zoe has crossed over. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers are being sent to you from all of us at Forty Paws.

Unknown said...

I am very sorry for your lost. Zoe was a beautiful house panther. Toby and The Wrecking Crew and I will pray for you as you adjust to a n empty space in your heart.

(angel) Grrreta and Fam said...

We are so sorry for your loss of sweet Zoe. We send you comforting hugs and purrs.

Valentine said...

Mr. Kevin, Miss Tracey & Gracie, I send you long-distance purrs of condolence at the loss of your beloved Zoe. The night sky will shine brighter now as your little chat noir joins the other stars in the sky. -Valentine (& Mom) of Noir Kitty Mews

Chirpy Cats said...

So sorry for the loss of your sweet Zoe. I enjoyed reading about her little antics. Sending our hugs and purrs of condolences.

Anonymous said...

I am so, so very sorry to read this. My heart is aching for you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Zoe was special, as are you. Sending you much love and many hugs.
❤🐱❤

John Bellen said...

This is indeed terrible news, and though you made the right decision, it is never a good decision. But Zoe is free of all discomfort now, healthy and happy. Godspeed, Zoe.

The Swiss Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear about your sweet Zoe. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

Ivan from WMD said...

We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Zoe. We know goodbye is never an easy thing. Purrs to you all.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Oh Kevin and Tracey this is beyond heartbreaking. I am simply devastated and in shock. I am so deeply, deeply sorry. Sending you all (((hugs))) and much love. I am just heartbroken for you. I wish I could hug you both. Love you both so much! xoxo

Jans Funny Farm said...

Kevin and Tracey, I am so sorry to read this post about dear Zoe. Each one we say good-bye to is a big hole in our hearts. Sending warm hugs to you both.

My Mind's Eye said...

Dear Kevin and Tracy we are so very sorry to read about Beautiful Zoe's untimely and unexpected passing.
Hugs madi and mom

Mickey's Musings said...

kevin and Tracey, we are so sorry to hear about Zoe.
It is never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet.
We know you will miss her so much.
Remember that she had a good and happy life with you.
Love and Hugs,
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
and mum Nancy

Dee, Nicky, Dusty & Izzy said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Zoe will always live in in your hearts. I hope some day soon your memories bring you comfort and soothe your souls.

LBJ said...

What a special soul and it's obvious by your caring words and giving hearts how loved she was. May the memories bring you some comfort in the coming days.

Abby T. Lab's family The Johnsons in Chicago

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Zoe was such a beautiful, special little ladycat. Sending much love and comforting purrs your way.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Godspeed your journey to heaven Zoe, you are and always will remain a gorgeous house panther. we send our sincerest sympathies to mom, dad, and sister gracie; we understand how hard this is on them. they wrote a beautiful tribute for you, and gave you the greatest gifts of all; love and compassion.....and we know if you could "speak ", you would not only say thanks mom and dad for everything, you would also say, I love you too.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

we are truly sorry. daisy, tuna, dude, sauce and boomer

catladymac said...

So sorry for the loss of your beloved Zoe.

The Daily Pip said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Zoe sounds like a wonderful, beautiful and spirited girl Sending you much support across the miles.

Katie Isabella said...

Oh Kevin and Tracey and Gracie, every bit of my love comes straight to you three for this devastating loss. It broke my heart to read this this evening. I will keep you in my prayers as you navigate through this terrible time.

XXXX

Danielle L Zecher said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Y'all are such wonderful people for adopting older kitties and giving them such a great life for however long they have. We lost our Joey to a very similar issue. As much as it hurts to let them go, you just can't ask them to suffer through it that for our sake. I hope you can find peace and comfort in the happy memories, and in knowing that you did the right thing for her.

Tamago said...

Oh gosh, I'm in shock..... so unexpected. I'm so sorry for your loss, Kevin. My heart goes out to you, Tracey, and Gracie. Zoe was such a lucky kitty to have found a wonderful home with her sister. I'm grateful she enjoyed her final years in peace and love. Thank you for giving her everything she deserves. Sending warm hugs your way....love, Tamago

san said...

We are sorry for your loss. Fly high Zoe.

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful tribute to Zoe. You gave her the most beautiful life, filled with love. I know she'll be deeply missed by all. Big hugs.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I am so sorry about Zoe. My heart hurts for you. May memories soon comfort you.

Zoe, bless you as you start your new journey at the Bridge.

Kitties Blue said...

Dear Kevin, Tracey and Gracie, Kitties Blue and I are so sorry to be arriving late with our condolences. We have been preoccupied with Mom Sharon, Raz and Allie. Now our heart is breaking even more reading your sad news of Zoe. This was a lovely tribute to her. Our Madison passed from lymphoma. Usually little can be done. Would it be okay if we honor lovely Zoe on next week's Sunday Selfies post? You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love and hugs, Janet and the gang

Hairballsandhissyfits.com said...

So terribly worry. Clearly she was very loved and a wonderful companion. You are in our thoughts.

Erin the Cat Princess said...

Your loss hits hard, but you together lived a wonderful life, and will again someday when you are joined once more beyond the bridge. Sweet dreams and fond memories be yours to share, and you have share with us so much delight and love and joy that we feel thy loss but will also celebrate the beauty that was and that will fill your saddened and heavy heart, they way Zoe would want it to.
Gentle purrs
ERin

M. K. Clinton said...

My heart is broken for you. There are simply no words to ease your pain but know that it is shared with all of those who love y'all and Zoe. ❤️❤️

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are so sorry to hear about Zoe, we know you are grieving her loss and that she left a huge hole in your heart. We wishes we could do something to make you feel better, we are sending comforting purrs and paws of sympathy in hopes that it will ease the pain of her loss a little bit.

Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and Granny said...

We are so deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Zoe. It's terrible to have to let go in such an unexpective way :'( Soft Pawkisses to comfort you all <3 Fly free beautiful soul. Until we meet again <3 <3 <3

Fur Everywhere said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Zoe was lucky to have such wonderful and loving humans to care for her. I know you know it, but you made the right decision. Zoe knows how much you love her, and I believe you will see her again someday. Hugs, purrs, and love to you all. <3

CatonsvilleCats said...

So sorry! You did the right thing, you knew she wasn't comfortable anymore.

Colehaus Cats said...

We are so sorry sweet Zoe was needed at the Bridge. Thank you for loving her. We're sending all our love and purrs.

Photo Cache said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and purrs are with you.

Emma and Buster

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry. Zoe was soooooooo bootyful and will be missed by so many. Her memory will live on furever and ever. We're sendin' lots of hugs and purrayers. Purrlease let us know ifin you need anythin'.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena and mommy A

Clooney said...

Dear Mom Tracey, Dad Kevin & Gracie, we are so,so deeply sorry and sad to hear of your sweet Zoe's unexpected passing. How truly heart-breaking. What a beautiful tribute and post you have written for your precious girl. Sending you our gentlest and most heart-felt purrs and surrounding you with light and love. How incredible for her to have been so loved by you before she left this earthly plane, that touches us so deeply.

Be Well Sweet Zoe
Much love from Clooney, Neytiri & Karyn

Mr Puddy said...

Mom Tracey, Dad Kevin & Gracie, I'm so so sorry about your beloved Zoe. My thought is with you. Sending soft purr to you & your fameowly,
Hugs

Life with Ragdolls said...

Oh no. I am so sorry to hear about sweet Zoe! I just lost my baby Angel to a terminal cancer on September 5, 2017. May our sweet girls be together. <3

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

I am so very sorry to hear about your sweet Zoe. What a beautiful girl. I'm sending you, and all who loved her, a hug, prayers.

Three Chatty Cats said...

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. RIP, sweet Zoe!

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

losing a loved one is never easy, even when you know it is coming, or when you don't. even when you know it is the right thing to do without a shadow of a doubt it still hurts. Sending purrs of healing and condolence to you both

Annie Bear said...

What an amazing tribute to beautiful Zoe! I'm very sorry for your loss. Reading this, I'm struck by how very much you love her.

The J-Cats said...

We are so, so sorry to read this news. We have been out of touch for a while, what with travels and High Holy Days, and now that We are finally touching base again, We are being greeted by such awful news. We know you and beautiful Zoe will be together again one day. Meanwhile, We send you comforting purrs and headbutts, Dear Friends. May you know no more sorrow and may the Great Cat in the Sky watch over you and comfort you.

Create With Joy said...

What a beautiful tribute to sweet Zoe. We are SO sorry for your loss! What a beautiful, special, precious kitty Zoe was. Tsunami, Magellan and I are sending love, prayers and paw-kisses your way.
xoxoxo

Timmy Tomcat said...

We send our families love and support to you all at this sad time
Timmy, Dad Pete and Family

Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty said...

We are so deeply sorry for your loss of sweet Zoe.

You are in our thoughts at this sad time.

Sending you love and healing purrs xx

Athena and Marie

LP said...

Dear Kevin and Tracey,

We just now heard of sweet Zoe's passing. We are heartbroken for you knowing how difficult it is to make that, oh so difficult decision and all the quiet that follows after. We love how you described all of Zoe's quirks and can see how well loved and cherished she was. May you take comfort in knowing she will take the love you have for her with her and she will leave the love she had for you, with you.

Sending you love,big hugs and our condolences.

Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

Nancy said...

I am so, so sorry for your heartbreaking loss of beautiful Zoe. Know that she is with you always...

Quill and Greyson said...

We are so late to offer our condolences. We hope you are doing okay and are so very sorry for your loss.

Marty the Manx said...

So very sorry that I am just reading about Zoe's passing. Sending you luvs and a huge {{hug}}.
Marty's Mom

LetterstoAndrew said...

I'm so, so sorry. It's never easy, and they are never with us long enough. Sending you hugs.

jank1961 said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Zoe was a beauty and obviously enriched your lives in so many ways. We know how much you must miss her. :(
Jan & the crew at Wag 'n Woof Pets

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Just emailed you and so very sorry to have missed this beautiful tribute. It feels like yesterday when you adopted the lovely Gracie and Zoe. You, Tracey and Gracie are in my heart.